Colostomy protector



Aug. 24, 1943. l. D. FENwlcK COLOSTOMY PROTECTOR Filed Aug. 2l, 1942 I nlflflzy w R. S. me n f 7 MM M f ,MN m y T. E Y A M 0 f m. y V Y B. i

Patented Aug. 24, i943 rgsPArl-:Nr

This invention relates to surgical appliances and more specifically to a colostomy protector.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a colostomy protector to be worn at all times and under all conditions by persons having a colostomy, and which protector is constructed and designed to be worn directly over the colostomy in contact withthe wearers body.

Another feature of theinvention resides in a colostomy protector which is relatively at and light in weight so as to be Worn under a girdle, or other undergarment without an embarrassing bulge and with comfort to the wearer.

A further feature of the invention is the provision of a colostomy protector which is in sealed cushioned contact with the body of 'a wearer andwhich embodies a receptacle portion to receive any small amount of liquid which might drain from the colostomy after a colostomy irrigation, or the usual stool. V

A still further feature is the provision of a colostomy protector having an air vent for the escape of any gases which might emanate from the colostomy, and which embodies a holder for a deodorant to neutralize odors of such gases.

Other features of the invention will become apparent as the following specilcation is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective View of the colostomy protector, the outline of a fragmentary portion of a wearers body being illustrated in dot and dash lines.

U Figure 2 is an enlarged rear elevational view Y of the protector.

Figure 3 is an enlarged vertical transverse sectional view on the line 3--3 of Figure 2, showing the protector in position over a colostomy and against the bodyvof a wearer.

' Figure 4 is an enlarged horizontal sectional View on the line t-fi of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a sectional perspective View of the gas vent. Y

Referring to the drawing by reference characters, the numeral I designates the colostomy protector in its-entirety, and which includes a relatively thin shell body Il of ovate shape in front and rear elevation. The body il is preferably constructed of a light mouldable material such as Bakelite or other plastic substance. The body Il comprises a substantially at relatively thin front wall l2 which curves rearwardly about alll of its sides as at I3. Integral with'the front wall I2 is a flat rear wall I4 which has a round opening I therein adjacent the top thereof.

The opening I5 is of a size as to admit the parl sage of the colostomy A in Figure 3, and enabl the ilat rear wall It and thickened free flat edges I6 to atly and comfortably fit against the body of a wearerat a spaced distance from the colostomy so as not to injure it. The at rear surface of thefree edges I6 and rear wall I4 are covered with a soit cushion material such as sponge rubber Il for direct contact with the skin of the body of a wearer. The rear wall it being in spaced relation to the. lower portion of the front wall, cooperates therewith to denne a well I8 which receives any iiuid or stool discharge from the colostomy A, when the protector is Worn after an irrigation or after a normal stool.

The front wall of the body il adjacent the top thereof is provided with a vent I9 which includes an eyelet bo'dy 2d having an outer end wall provided with an arcuate shaped vent opening 2l. The eyelet body 20 extends through the wall of the shell body as best illustrated in Figure 5. A rotatable closure disk 22 is mounted on the end wall of the eyelet body and has an arcuate opening 23 for partial or complete registration with the opening 2l when it is desirous to establish communication of the interior ci the body lI with the atmosphere to expel gases from the shell body. To neutralize the odors from any gases, I provide a deodorant holder in the form of confronting arcuate shaped ledges 24-24 formed integral with the rear of the front wall in the region of the vent I9. A deodorant disk 25 is inserted into and held by the ledges 2li-2d for neutralizing the odors of gases before passing out through the vent I9.

Riveted as at 26 to the exterior of the front wall I2 and extending transversely thereof are spaced straps 23-2'1, each of which is provided with eyes 2li-28 adjacent its ends. A pair of fabric belts 23-29 are looped through the eyes of the respective straps and have their ends connected by suitable fasteners or buckles 30. The fabric belts may be equipped with adjusting buckles to effect an adjustment of the the Waist of a wearer.

In'practice, the protector I0 is applied over the colostomy A and the belts 29 applied about the body of a wearer as illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawing. The shell body I Iv is relatively flat and may be Worn beneath a girdle or other undergarment without causing any noticeable bulge in the outer apparel of the wearer. The protector may be thoroughly washed and cleaned to maintain the same in a sanitary condition.

belts about Whereas the protector!!! is designed primarily for use in colostomy cases, the same will be found useful when applied over dischargingwounds-in lieu of dressings and bandages.

While I have shown and 'described `what I consider to be the preferred embodiment of my invention, I Wish it to be understood that such changes in construction and design as come Within the scope of the appended claims may be resorted to -if desired without departing from the spirit of the invention. y

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:

1. A colostomy protector comprising a rigid one-piece shell-like body of ovate shape in front elevation, said body having spaced relatively fiat front and rear Walls, said rear wall having an opening therein of a size to encircle a. colostomy and being disposed adjacent the top of the rear wall, the space within the body below the opening constituting a well. a soft fiat resilient cushioned facing provided on the entire exterior of the rear wall for sealing engagement with the bodyof a wearer,y the front wall having a vent opening, and means provided on the interior of the front wall adjacent said vent opening for` removably supporting adeodorant element.

2. A colostomy protector comprisingv a rigid shell-like body having-a at rear wall and a front wall spaced from the rear wall, said rear wall having an opening therein of a size to encircle a colostomy and being disposed adjacent the top of the rear wail, the space within the body below the opening constituting a well, the front wall of the body having a' vent opening adjacent the top thereof, and means provided on the interior of the front wall of the body adjacent the vent opening for supporting a deodorant element.

IVY D. FENWICK. 

